Uxbridge residents can expect a 3.77-per cent tax increase

Council to approve 2013 budget in two weeks

Uxbridge residents can expect a 3.77-per cent tax increase

Celia Klemenz / Metroland

UXBRIDGE -- Uxbridge Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor beamed at Pat Molloy, chairman of finance and Ward 2 councillor, on January 29. Uxbridge council will be approving the Township budget in two weeks with a 2.77-per cent increase, plus an additional one per cent for the fire hall. January 29, 2013

UXBRIDGE -- Uxbridge taxpayers can expect to see a 3.77-per cent tax increase on the Township portion of their residential tax bill as council plans to officially approve the increase in two weeks.

During recent budget discussions, Uxbridge department heads were asked to revise their 2013 budget requests as residents would have faced a 7.7-per cent increase on the local portion of their tax bill if additional cuts were not made.

On Monday, Councillor Pat Molloy, chairman of the finance committee, said that staff successfully cut over $100,000 from their budgets while additional savings had been found.

"There is lots of room for improvement but we are in a pretty good place," he said. "This is a budget, it is not cast in stone but a framework that we will work within. The nickels and dimes may change over the years."

After countless meetings, arguments and hours of number crunching, politicians will consider a 2.77-per cent increase with an additional one per cent for the fire hall.

According to Coun. Molloy, with a 3.77-per cent increase, Uxbridge taxpayers who own a residential property assessed at $400,000 will see an increase of $40.15 on the local portion of their tax bill.

And while all councillors endorsed the 2013 budget, Councillor Jacob Mantle encouraged other politicians to consider the need and cost of various assets within the Township in future budget discussions.

The Foster Memorial was first on his list of concerns as it is in need of "significant" repairs that will come with a price tag of approximately $800,000.

"We need to discuss the future of this asset," he said.

Coun. Mantle also cautioned politicians of the Historical Centre as it provides a limited amount of service for the amount of money it costs to be open and operational, the Siloam Hall and the Lions Hall in Goodwood.

"Things won't pay their way," said Mayor Gerri Lynn O'Connor. "We need to look into increasing revenue and making better use of it."

Mayor O'Connor also noted that the Foster will need repairs done quickly and with a limited budget, something will need to be done.

"It is beyond the capability of the municipality to keep and maintain it," she said. "Next year we need to take the opportunity to contact the provincial and federal government for assistance. Where will this money come from?"

Councillor Gord Highet agreed and noted that a long-term plan needs to be established.

"We have a lot of real estate, land and stuff and we need a long-term vision," he said. "We can't go year to year hoping for the best. We have done a remarkable job on this budget but it will only get tighter."

Councillors are expected to approve the 2013 budget on Monday Feb. 11 during their regular council meeting.